Forum for Tamaki Estuary communities

Auckland City Council’s Works Committee was today pleased to endorse the primary goal of the Tamaki Estuary Pollution Steering Committee’s draft action plan to protect and enhance the natural environment of the Tamaki Estuary.

In response to a public meeting called by the Tamaki Estuary Protection Society in September 1987 following the ICI fire (the water used to put out the fire ended up in the Estuary, resulting in serious pollution), the Tamaki Estuary Pollution Steering Committee was formed to develop a management strategy. The strategy aims to improve the water and amenity quality of the Tamaki Estuary and its environs.

With representation from various government agencies, local authorities and interest groups, the steering committee is an ideal forum for sharing information among, and receiving feedback from, the Tamaki Estuary community. Auckland City Council is represented on the committee by Councillor Bill Christian, chair of the Works Committee, and Michael McQuillan, manager utility planning.

Over the years, the steering committee developed a Tamaki Estuary Pollution Action Plan to monitor the effectiveness of the co-operative efforts of managers and users of the Estuary. The steering committee is now reviewing its Action Plan for 2003-2005.

Councillor Christian says it is a great benefit to have a steering group that promotes a coordinated strategy across the region because the net outcome will be positive with optimum utilisation of resources and minimised duplication of effort.

To achieve its primary goal, the steering group aims to coordinate its management strategy to cover wastewater collection systems, education, coastal management, industrial yard practices and dumping, sediment and stormwater run-off control, recreation, environmental monitoring and research, and regulatory controls.

“A well-coordinated action plan provides for shared information and awareness of other work to ensure maximum benefit for the Tamaki Estuary and its communities,” says Bill Christian.

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